Here is the latest news and updates around the Buffalo Sabres and their schedule for the week of April 5 – April 12, 2026.
Sabres Clinch Playoff Spot For First Time Since 2011
The Sabres have broken the longest playoff drought in sports and have officially clinched a playoff spot. They sit tied for first in the Atlantic Division with a record of 47-23-8 (102 points), the team’s first time reaching the 100-point mark since the 2009-10 season.
Now, with two weeks left in the season, the Sabres are playing for seeding. They’re looking to win the division for the first time since 2009-10 and make a mark on the league heading into the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Sabres Push For Atlantic Divison Crown Continues
The Sabres are in the middle of a fight for first place in the Atlantic Division, or at least home-ice advantage in the first round, if they were to happen to finish as the second seed.
Related: Sabres’ Contention Window Is Just Opening
The team had a rematch of their crazy 8-7 win on March 8 against the Lightning on Monday night and ended up victorious in a close 4-2 win in Buffalo. Their regulation win now has them tied for first in the Atlantic Division, and the game can be a deciding factor in whether the Sabres win the division or not. Every game until their season concludes next Wednesday matters.
Injury Updates
Sam Carrick suffered a left arm injury when he fell awkwardly on it in a fight with New York Islanders forward Anders Lee on March 31. Carrick is listed as week-to-week, and he could return for (or during) the playoffs, per Sabres’ head coach, Lindy Ruff.
Noah Ostlund has been out of the lineup with an upper-body injury since March 25. He has continued skating and is considered day-to-day per Ruff.
Jiri Kulich has missed the majority of the season due to a blood clot, the team announced on Nov. 10. He has continued non-contact skating; however, he is expected to miss the remainder of the season.
Justin Danforth left their game on Oct. 15 with a lower-body injury and later underwent surgery. He’s been skating over the last two months, but he is still dealing with some pain from the injury.
Sabres’ Upcoming Schedule
Here is the Sabres’ upcoming schedule for April 5 – April 12, 2026:
- Monday, April 6 vs Tampa Bay Lightning @ 7:00 pm ET (4-2 victory)
- Wednesday, April 8 @ New York Rangers @ 7:00 pm ET
- Thursday, April 9 vs Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7:00 pm ET
